Subway

The Rio subway or Metrô do Rio, (commonly called Metrô) is relatively new, opening in 1979. It has undergone several expansion and modernization initiatives throughout its brief history. There are currently two (2) lines with 35 stations covering 47 km. (29 mi.) throughout the heart of Rio. A new line is also being constructed to support public transportation to the Rio Olympic Event venues and is expected to be completed by early 2016.

Please Note: Due to construction of the new subway line and general improvements, the subway station at Ipanema / Gal. Osório will be closed from February 2013 to aproximately December 2013. The Metrô na Superfície (Metro Surface Bus) to Gavea and Barra is now leaving from the Siqueira Campos station.

The Metrô is a great vehicle for getting around the downtown and south zone neighborhoods of Rio (Carioca, Glória, Flamengo, Botofogo) with excellent access to the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. You will be pleased to find both the stations and trains to be air-conditioned, very clean and safe.

The subway runs from 5am (05:00) to midnight Monday through Saturday and 7am to 11 pm (07:00 – 23:00) on Sunday and holidays. During Carnival and other special events, the subway is often available 24 hours a day. You can expect to find it very crowded during rush hour – also on weekends at station stops near the beaches. During peak times, it is a good idea to buy a "duplo" for your round trip to avoid lines at the ticket counter or automated machines. The subway does not have direct stops at all the popular tourist destinations – however, it is possible to buy a combination metro / bus ticket to reach many of your desired destinations.

You can view (or print) a larger and complete version of the subway map depicting the path and stops for the two lines by clicking on the picture below:

Line 1 (Linha 1) is the orange line and serves Downtown Rio (neighborhoods and business area) as well as some of the major tourist areas in the South Zone. As examples:

The stop at Ipanema /General Osorio puts you at the doorstep of the famous Ipanema and Leblon Beaches and a short distance to the Forte de Copacabana.
The station stops at Cantagalo, Sigueira Campos and Cardeal Arcoverdé all provide access to the popular neighborhood of Copacabana and its beautiful beach.
Cantagalo will also take you to the Tom Jobim Park where the family can enjoy roller blading, skating, tennis and soccer all with a gorgeous view of the Lagoon.
Take the Botofogo stop along with a special metro bus (Ônibus do Metrô Na Superfície) to the Botanical Gardens (Jardim Botânico).
You can also use the Botofogo stop along with a special express bus (Integração Expressa - Urca 511 A) to visit the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar).
The metro will also take you to the Corcovado Hill and the seventh wonder of the world, Christ the Redeemer Statue. Stop at the Largo do Machado station and continue on a special express bus (Integração Expressa - Cosme Velho 584A).

Line 2 (Linha 2) is the green line and serves working-class residential neighborhoods extending toward the north. Much of this train line (primarily in the north) is above ground as it started out as a light rail. It is important to recognize that Lines 1 and 2 overlap from Central Station through Botofogo.

Visitors may choose to take the green line enroute to Cinelândia and stop to visit the Arches of Lapa, the Municipal Theatre or the Museum of Modern Art.
Take the São Cristóvão station stop to visit Brazil's National Museum / UFRJ (Museu Nacional / UFRJ) or the very impressive Quinta da Boa Vista Park, site of the gardens of the São Cristóvão Palace and Rio de Janeiro's Zoo.
The stop at Maracanã, is just steps away from the famous Maracanã Soccer Stadium.

A future, Line 3 will be known as the silver line and will reach the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro.

Stop at any Subway Station and ask for the four different pocket maps of the Rio Metro system. Each map breaks down an area (2 maps in the South Zone, one each for Centro/Downtown and the North Zone) and identifies popular tourist attractions and the metro service to get there. You will note from both the pocket maps and the large map provided on this website, that the metro system includes a series of buses that are integrated with the metro system. At the station, you will want to request the appropriate combination ticket to get you to your desired location.

Additional information can be found at the Metrô do Rio official website (click here). (The site is available in both Portuguese and English).